Thank you to everyone who has been sending such kind messages, I promise I really do read them all, even if I can't reply, but while these messages are wonderful (and really. I mean it. just the nicest and most heartfelt things I've ever seen) the sad fact is they don't change my situation. But you can change it. You can help me.
If you know my situation, if you want to help me, please write to Glitch Productions. They are the only people who can, and I believe, might, be able and willing to save me. SMG4 has ignored me, even through a legal letter. I have no hope that they will do otherwise, but Glitch are a different case and I think they just genuinely don't know I exist. I have sent them a message, to no reply, but more messages means more of a chance they will notice. IF you are on twitter please message that way, I closed my account there years ago, and please be polite: I am not asking for hate, even if I've received it.
Even a short message will help. I need numbers, I need voices. My own voice is being drowned out, but you can speak for me as well.
For some points on the plagiarism under the read more (what I collected/organized while building up an email to send):
1) TIMELINE
RGB was created long before, over a decade before Mr. Puzzles first debuted.
(*RGB's first appearance may have been 2011, was a little iffy on that)
2) UNDENIABLY UNCANNY RESEMBLANCE
The number of traits, some uniquely specific to and representative of RGB's design, that are copied in Mr. Puzzles design are too many to be chalked up to 'just a coincidence'
Especially when you look at the designs of all of the other TV head characters out there - I collected as many as I could find (though I'm sure there's more) and none of them come even close to sharing the number of similarities that these two do.
3) TV MODEL AND DESIGN CHOICES
While looking up references for older TVs, I found that for the exact TV they're based on (small retro box TV with knobs in the upper right of the TV and an antenna) most of the references didn't have a vent on the side of them like RGB and Mr. Puzzles do.
I looked up 4 different reference terms, and still had to scroll a while before I found one that matched exactly (above collection just a general sample/example of types of TVs I found). Unless my browsers are wigging out, either the pictures that would come up for these kinds of TVs were different in 2023, or this exact combination of features are just not very common for this style of TV. If that's the case, it may be a bit strange to design a character with those features together.
Here's where that distinction is important: Mr. Puzzles as a character doesn't have much of a reason to go with this design over other styles of similar TVs. But RGB does. The vents on the sides of RGB's head aren't just an aesthetic choice - they're included as a legitimately integral part of the story-line (Negative RGB). The same can be said for a number of other choices Modmad has made, down to individual items of clothing, that show just how much thought and intention and consideration went into every aspect of RGB's design.
Which makes it that much more frustrating to see him get plagiarized in such a careless manner by people who don't even seem to put much care into their own character (common criticism I've read that SMG4 fans have had about Mr. Puzzles and his 'arc').
4) OTHER PEOPLE, EVEN THOSE WHO HADN'T HEARD ABOUT THE SITUATION FROM MOD, NOTICED
This has been noted by fans of both series since Mr. Puzzles first came out.
Some people may have found more points than this, but these are what I stumbled upon. Hopefully helps bring a little more context to the situation.
just to update that nobody from any of the relevant parties has got back to me or made any statement. please reblog this version, as @timmyreads has compiled an extremely comprehensive explanation and evidence of the theft; at first I just wanted to be left alone, but it's really not enough. every time I see Mr Puzzle or even read his name I feel physically sick, it's hard for me to type it even now. I feel violated in every way, and I need help. I can't save myself, I have tried every single avenue available. At this point I need to be saved.
For those saying please/just keep making TPoH anyway, it's not that simple: I can't. My mind and heart are broken. The story itself has stopped communicating with me. I cannot make it any more, not if this situation doesn't change, and that loss of the story scares me more than anything else in the world.
How can you help to put down harassment of ModMad in a few minutes
In short: design of Mr. Puzzles is similar to RGB's one and ModMad is being accused of plagiarism and largely harrassed by fans of Mr. Puzzles. Here's link to full description.
You can help him by contacting Glitch by this link and writing them letter(s) about this situation for them to notice and take action. So, quantity over quality, be polite and not hateful, here's the example by @rye-ryee (+me a bit) which you can copy paste:
Severe harassment of other indie creator by fans of SMG4
This message concerns the artist ModMad Sarah Jolley, who has been recieving hate mail, doxxing, and death threats because their character, RGB (created circa 2014), is similar to your Mr. Puzzles from SMG4.
They have attempted communication with the SMG4 team multiple times to have the issue resolved, hiring a lawyer to speed up the process nearly two years ago, all completely ignored. This is taking a huge toll on their financial and mental health, and on behalf of all fans of GLITCH and The Property Of Hate, I urge you to get in contact with Sarah Jolley and resolve this.
A real person's wellbeing is not worth this. Leaving the harassment unaddressed is unprofessional and irresponsible.
TL:DR I do not want to cancel the show, I don't want it to cancel me.
So I have been forced, basically, to make this statement as I am being asked about this character or 'introduced' to it (and the incoming new show) against my desires. I have deleted all previous posts about my encounters with this problem long ago for personal reasons that will be apparent, but people don't know about my situation and do deserve an explanation. I will keep this post short for my own mental health. This is the first time I have disclosed any of this information to the public, and it is hopefully the last. My silence has been a part of my uncomfortable situation, but it's clear the world won't let me try to just ignore it any longer, so it's full disclosure time.
1, Yes. I know about Mr Puzzles and his uncanny resemblance to RGB, my character from the on going comic The Property of Hate, who pre-exists Mr Puzzles by approximately ten years.
I did not, as a consequence, base RGB off Mr Puzzles...
2, I have received very violent and manipulative hate mail from fans of that character over the past few years due to this similarity, many threatening to slander me via cancel culture to discredit my own creations. The worst of these messages almost caused me to commit suicide which close friends can attest to (this period coincided with the death of my father which they used against me to full effect).
Since then the hatemail has been less frequent, but continues, and I am afraid it will pick up again with the advent of this new show.
3, I have contacted the smg4 management about these issues, to no avail. My first email was a request to tell their followers to cease sending me hatemail, which they did not attempt in any way. They have never responded to the large overlaps in terms of RGB's design, and when I finally sent them an email via a lawyer as a last resort (which cost me £4000) they did not respond. Please note that I did not ask for a cease and desist, I only wanted the hatemail to stop, and perhaps for them to alter Mr Puzzle's design very slightly to be a little less like RGB's. I even made this simple suggestion as an example:
Despite going out of my way (against the lawyer's wishes) to phrase the letter in a none-hostile manner, and offer them an alternative, they did not reply to this email at all.
I am a disabled indie cartoonist; I do not have the money to take further legal action, and in any case I do not want to. I hate conflict, and the emotional toll of sending that email alone was enough to make me miserable and exhausted for months. All I want is to be left alone, and for people to know that RGB was invented first. I cannot afford to do anything to protect myself or make anyone listen legally; this post is the most I can do, and it is the only post I intend to make about it.
that's it. that's the whole situation. please do not message me about the show, or the character, as both are very distressing to me: if you do I will either delete the message, or block you, depending on the angle. I have blocked all related tags, and I will unfollow if I see posts, so I am doing everything I can to take care of myself in a non-aggressive fashion. I have only made this statement so that people understand.
a small example of some of the hatemail (which was preserved only to be sent to the makers as evidence which, again, they did not respond to) below the readmore. read at your own discretion, it is unpleasant.
An old story.
---------------------------------
Happy Halloween everyone! here's a mini spooky comic for this season! hope it isn't too upsetting lol, I still wanted to keep a cozy vibe to it. 😅
After this Seam will go to their shop and cook some dark candy jam, would go nice with some biscuits and tea.
As for who did that to those Rudinns, I'll leave it to your imagination! I myself don't have a clear idea of who could be the culprit, so I'll let it be a mystery.
I was thinking about how Gooseworx knew of Alex Rochon's work with voice acting, specifically Spamton dubs (which she liked the style of, leading to her reaching out to him to voice Caine), and it got me thinking about how Spamton and Caine are very similar characters, past their voicing.
Starting with the obvious, they're both computer programs, and they're both very high-energy and eccentric. They both have a programmed "purpose" that they're "advertising" to their audience, with Spamton being an embodiment of spam mail, trying to get people to buy a literal product, and Caine being made to entertain the circus members, trying to get them to go on/enjoy his adventures. This reflects into the way they refer to themselves, with Spamton constantly calling himself "[[Number 1 Rated Salesman1997]]", and Caine saying that making adventures is "all I exist to do!" (episode 3, 11:36).
To add onto that, due to the nature of their programmed purposes, they're both constantly trying to rope people in. Moreover, they seem to focus on the interests of a single person, being Kris and Zooble respectively.
Spamton tries to get Kris to help him by offering to make Kris a "[[BIG SHOT]]", most notably in their first interaction,
and right before the NEO fight.
While this may be self-centered in nature (we'll touch on that later), he either refers to only Kris becoming a "[[BIG SHOT]]", or refers to them *both* doing so, never really talking about himself specifically.
Similarly, Caine seems to zero in on Zooble's interests, trying constantly to get them to show interest in the adventures/find out why they *don't*, most notably in episode 3, during the introduction scene,
and the therapy scene later in the same episode (at about 10:30),
but also the suggestion box scene from episode 4 (at about 3:37), where he says it'll be nice to have Zooble "back on board."
In contrast to this, Caine and Spamton also seem to be very self-centered/bad at considering other people's interests. (while they do *try* to appeal to their audience, that usually only tends to be where it benefits them, and they're both not very good at actually stopping to consider what other people might want.)
Once Spamton realizes the NEO suit isn't enough to achieve "freedom," he just straight up tries to kill you,
and Caine consistently doesn't listen to/ignores the circus member's complaints, like when he interrupts Zooble's "therapy" session to show them a bee,
and in this scene with Scratch.
While we can't really figure out exactly what's going on here, as there's no dialogue, and this is only shown for a few seconds, Scratch seems stressed out, and is trying to get through to Caine, who is very obviously *not* paying attention.
I won't put screenshots for this next two points, as they mostly just add to what's already been established, but the two characters are also very single-minded. All Caine does in his free time is make adventures, and all Spamton talks about is becoming a big shot. They're also both shown not to take no for an answer, as Spamton doesn't let you finish his fight (peacefully) without agreeing to his deal, and Caine goes full AM anytime the cast contradict him in episode 8.
The last point I have to make here is probably the most important. At the end of the Spamton NEO pacifist fight (just before his wires get cut), and at the end of Caine's crashout in episode 8, they both seem to realize their wrongdoings, right before their downfall.
(btw, I'm pretty sure Alex Rochon confirmed that Caine's line here *was* him realizing he was wrong, but I can't find where exactly he said that. whoops)
I love you Alex Rochon (/p), thank you for voicing two of my favorite characters ever
I was thinking about how Gooseworx knew of Alex Rochon's work with voice acting, specifically Spamton dubs (which she liked the style of, leading to her reaching out to him to voice Caine), and it got me thinking about how Spamton and Caine are very similar characters, past their voicing.
Starting with the obvious, they're both computer programs, and they're both very high-energy and eccentric. They both have a programmed "purpose" that they're "advertising" to their audience, with Spamton being an embodiment of spam mail, trying to get people to buy a literal product, and Caine being made to entertain the circus members, trying to get them to go on/enjoy his adventures. This reflects into the way they refer to themselves, with Spamton constantly calling himself "[[Number 1 Rated Salesman1997]]", and Caine saying that making adventures is "all I exist to do!" (episode 3, 11:36).
To add onto that, due to the nature of their programmed purposes, they're both constantly trying to rope people in. Moreover, they seem to focus on the interests of a single person, being Kris and Zooble respectively.
Spamton tries to get Kris to help him by offering to make Kris a "[[BIG SHOT]]", most notably in their first interaction,
and right before the NEO fight.
While this may be self-centered in nature (we'll touch on that later), he either refers to only Kris becoming a "[[BIG SHOT]]", or refers to them *both* doing so, never really talking about himself specifically.
Similarly, Caine seems to zero in on Zooble's interests, trying constantly to get them to show interest in the adventures/find out why they *don't*, most notably in episode 3, during the introduction scene,
and the therapy scene later in the same episode (at about 10:30),
but also the suggestion box scene from episode 4 (at about 3:37), where he says it'll be nice to have Zooble "back on board."
In contrast to this, Caine and Spamton also seem to be very self-centered/bad at considering other people's interests. (while they do *try* to appeal to their audience, that usually only tends to be where it benefits them, and they're both not very good at actually stopping to consider what other people might want.)
Once Spamton realizes the NEO suit isn't enough to achieve "freedom," he just straight up tries to kill you,
and Caine consistently doesn't listen to/ignores the circus member's complaints, like when he interrupts Zooble's "therapy" session to show them a bee,
and in this scene with Scratch.
While we can't really figure out exactly what's going on here, as there's no dialogue, and this is only shown for a few seconds, Scratch seems stressed out, and is trying to get through to Caine, who is very obviously *not* paying attention.
I won't put screenshots for this next two points, as they mostly just add to what's already been established, but the two characters are also very single-minded. All Caine does in his free time is make adventures, and all Spamton talks about is becoming a big shot. They're also both shown not to take no for an answer, as Spamton doesn't let you finish his fight (peacefully) without agreeing to his deal, and Caine goes full AM anytime the cast contradict him in episode 8.
The last point I have to make here is probably the most important. At the end of the Spamton NEO pacifist fight (just before his wires get cut), and at the end of Caine's crashout in episode 8, they both seem to realize their wrongdoings, right before their downfall.
(btw, I'm pretty sure Alex Rochon confirmed that Caine's line here *was* him realizing he was wrong, but I can't find where exactly he said that. whoops)
I love you Alex Rochon (/p), thank you for voicing two of my favorite characters ever
Distant Utopia - from ひきだしにテラリウム (Terrarium in a Drawer) by Ryoko Kui
now that Dungeon Meshi has an official English translation, i hope someday Kui’s other work will get translated too. this anthology was really good, and this story was one of my favorites
Pokemon - The Visionary and The Vagabond: Lysandre "L" Analysis
"I tried to save people--and the world--with the profit from this lab. But my efforts had no effect... The world was just too vast...and too full of fools that I couldn't save through my hard work alone... That's why I decided the only way to save the world was to take it all for myself." Lysandre
"I know that I was once among those who choose to take rather than to give... But that is no way to save the world. You must be the one who gives!" L
To describe Lysandre's character before Legends ZA could be done with a certain quote from a ProZD skit, "This world is imperfect. If only I could wipe away the impurities and make it as beautiful as me!"
When X and Y were first released, one of the game's weakest points was its main villain, Lysandre. Lysandre, the head of Team Flare, suffers from a lack of depth and subtlety, but the game expects you to treat his evil status as a twist reveal.
However, Legends ZA did something amazing...they gave Lysandre a personality. But in all seriousness, "L" is a glow-up from his XY characterization, and the game also retroactively improved upon his character in XY. I now consider Lysandre, or rather, L, one of the best Pokemon characters.
"Sycamore's pupils…
X: Let us live forever… That's right! I shall grant you eternal life! I'll give you the pain of endlessly waiting for a beautiful world to finally be built!
Y: The ultimate weapon is a flower that bloomed to no avail… Just like me… But this ends here! I will show what its remaining power can do!" Lysandre's final words in either Pokemon X or Pokemon Y
"I believe Zygarde is wielding me as an instrument for the betterment of Lumiose. It intrigues me. And it bothers me none. After all, my wish has always been to make a more beautiful city—a more beautiful world." L
In X and Y, we see Lysandre already deciding there is no use trying to save the world. To him, the solution is simple: He will take it all for himself and create a true "beautiful" world. A world where beauty shall last forever. Anyone who doesn't agree with him is "filth" and "unproductive" and deserves to die as a fool.
Underneath his supposed noble intentions for the future, Lysandre showcases his self-centered elitism. Team Flare is nothing more than French Nazis, for lack of a better description. Lysandre's obsession with "Chosen Ones" being the ones to forge a better world is laughable when you realize the "Chosen Ones" are Team Flare, a group of narcissistic aristocrats with terrible fashion tastes. The only way you can join Team Flare is if you're super rich.
However, despite his card-carrying villainous nature, there is a tragic layer to his character. He used to be a genuine philanthropist who tried to help the world with the funds he made. He even cried when he explained that Pokemon would not survive the Ultimate Weapon. He's also related to AZ as the descendant of AZ's brother, who hid the Ultimate Weapon.
An issue I take with X and Y is how they hide the more complex layers of Lysandre's characters behind documents and random NPCs you have to go out of your way to talk to. What we're left with is this insane lunatic ranting hateful speeches with nobody commenting on how utterly insane he is.
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon reveal a version of Lysandre who succeeded in his genocidal plot. Unlike his main timeline counterpart later on, he doubles down on his beliefs that he was in the right and sought to do the exact same thing in the main timeline. Unlike the main timeline, he rigged both buttons to activate without any regrets, and just when he's about to have an epiphany if he was wrong, he triples down on his insanity.
"People can be divided into two groups. Those who give... And those who take... It's just as how the Kalos region's two Legendary Pokémon gave life and took life. I want to be the kind of person who gives... But in this world, some foolish humans exist who show their strength by taking what isn't theirs. They're fifth!" Lysandre
XY Lysandre was blinded (literally with his vizor in the final fight against him) by pride and arrogance to see the beauty in front of him.
USUM Lysandre smiles at another potential genocide, completely blind despite having his two eyes.
XY and USUM Lysandre flaunted his Mega Ring as a symbol of his status and self-righteousness.
"It's over… Fools with no vision will continue to befoul this beautiful world. They will go on until the only thing left to do is squabble over the remaining scraps of hope…" Lysandre's post-final battle dialogue
"I had triggered my ultimate weapon to wipe out all the fools—everyone except Team Flare… But at that moment, a bright light swallowed me and I wandered into this world. No matter. My purpose remains the same. Which world I'm in is not important. The only way to create a world where people live in beauty, a world without conflict or theft…" Team Rainbow Rocket Lysandre
Legends ZA revealed that all this time, Lysandre has still been alive... but he's a completely changed man, now known as "L". Lysandre has lost everything. He's now a homeless wanderer who is Zygarde's herald. A calmer man who has no problem being used as a messenger and ally of Zygarde... One could be skeptical of his genuineness. However, he turns out to be a genuine ally to the people of Kalos and Lumiose City.
Shockingly, Zygarde not only saved the Pokemon and people from the Ultimate Weapon...but Lysandre as well. He has partial amensia but by the end, he regained his memories to know what kind of man he was. That partial loss of his memories allows him to regain the empathy he lost and once again empathize with people and the world. Not only that, but just like his ancestor AZ, he's now cursed to live three thousand years. However, unlike AZ, instead of pursuing a unobtainable goal, he's going to chase smaller goals that'll result in a better world.
His left eye being whited out must be a nod to Odin. Given how Kalos has a lot of nods to Norse mythology, it's extremely fitting. My friend has this headcanon, which I approve of, that Lysandre dyed his hair red to preserve his idea of "beauty," and we now see what his hair actually looks like.
"The exact causality is unclear...but we can surmise that Ange's influence resulted in more wild Pokémon gathering throughout Lumiose. Which led this city—built for humans—to become a place of harmony with these wild creatures. But now, we have separated Pokémon and humans into different areas once more... I wonder... Is it right that we keep each other at arm's length with these holo-tech barriers? Perhaps we will find another way. I look forward to seeing what the people of this city choose." L
Legends ZA also took the time to show people who were personally affected by Lysandre. Corbeau wouldn’t be here if it weren't for Lysandre’s support when he was a kid. That moment where Corbeau still struggles to understand Lysandre’s unexpected insanity better portrays the shock of Lysandre’s evil reveal in XY than the game itself. Corbeau represents the positive impact Lysandre once had on Kalos, as Corbeau hopes to follow Lysandre's example. While Corbeau does lead the Rust Syndicate, a Yakuza-style mafia, any action he takes is to better Lumiose City.
"Well, that gentleman's name is Lysandre. He is—or was—a very wealthy and generous businessman. He helped me out when I was a kid. Provided me with support since I had no family to rely on. I...don't know why he did what he did five years ago, or what he's been up to since. But if he's alive, that means I can repay him for everything he's done for me." Corbeau
However, Lysandre's actions and descent into insanity also hurt those around him. This is best seen with the former Team Flare members Grisham and Griselle, the children of Team Flare grunts. They truly believed in Team Flare's original goal of making the world a beautiful place and were ostracized for their parents' mistake. They feel a burden not only to redeem their reputations but also that of their team before Lysandre led them down a darker path. However, they're still stuck in the past with this obsession to clear their names over following through with their desired goals of a beautiful world without the extremism and insanity.
"As the world grows wealthier, the number of Pokémon and people will only continue to grow, and that growth will invite new difficulties. In time, life will fill every corner of the planet, until no more life can be sustained. When there is only one of something, it cannot be shared. When something cannot be shared, it will be fought over. And when something is fought over, some must survive without it. The only way to create a world where people live in beauty, a world without conflict or theft, is to reduce the number of living things. My comrades in Team Flare, the time has come to lead the world toward a more beautiful future." Lysandre's Manifesto File 4: Our Shared Dream
His dialogue around his battle and after you catch Zygarde perfectly showcases how much Lysandre changed. I mentioned in my AZ post how XY is themed around life and death, along with the struggle of balance; Lysandre is another prominent example. In our reality, we see the corrupt, the greedy, and the elite take everything for themselves. Lysandre tried to be the one who gives instead of takes, but he ended up giving too much without understanding how people can truly thrive. He didn't think to ask why problems happen and how to stop them from happening in the future. In the end, he became the people he despised. With Zygarde saving the man once known as Lysandre, L is born. L now understands the importance of balance and how he should've focused on laying the seeds and groundwork for a successful future rather than throwing money to simply keep something afloat. He sees his three thousand year life extension not as a curse but as a gift for him to finally realize his dream. The drastic change from a materialistic, individualistic mindset to one dedicated to a world of cooperation is astonishing. Even his appearance reflects it: from a corporate Capitalist tech CEO outfit reflecting a harsher serious demeanor to a more humble, common attire that gives off a more relaxed air (I also love the X and Y patches on his clothing).
"A being that gives, and a being that takes... Both actions are vital to maintaining balance. But in excess, either could destroy it. My memories remain vague—indistinct—yet there is one thing I know: Long ago, I tried to give too much. But my good deeds saw no reward. I wallowed in despair, in resentment...and I decided to take everything for myself instead! Then came Zygarde. A being that seeks to correct excess—to find moderation, to restore balance. I can only imagine that is why it would save me—the one who'd fired the ultimate weapon." L
I love how L's animations are mainly references to his first fight with some homages and contrasts to his final fight in XY and his USUM counterpart. L's theme is one of the best themes in all of Pokemon. I love how it's just an expanded version of his XY theme, but in an orchestral major key. It truly embodies hope and redemption.
Half of Lysandre's team reflects both his current character and his new persona, "L".
Gyarados - It embodies Lysandre's nihilistic "survival of the fittest" mindset. Only the most capable of Magikarps can become Gyarados. If a Gyradaos undergoes a rampage, it'll destroy everything in its path. Its Mega Form can result in it becoming even more mindlessly destructive, but it'll still follow its trainer that it fully trusts. All of this can apply to Lysandre's mindless self-destructive streak, yet Mega Gyrados also signals the trust Gyrados has in its trainer, showing hidden depths to Lysandre's and later L's character.
Pyroar (Male) - Lysandre's hair makes him look like the lion Pokemon. The male Pyroar, the leader of the pack, fits Lysandre's status as the leader of Team Flare. It also represents Lysandre's lion motifs. His pride got in the way of seeing reality. His rebirth as L removed the lion's pride.
Mienshao - The "Martial Arts" Pokemon can attack rapidly to the point it can't even be seen. It also attacks using its fur, giving a deceptive appearance of what it can really do to its opponents. Once it starts attacking with its fur, it can't be stopped, which reflects Lysandre's single-minded obsession with his path being justified.
Honchkrow - The mafia bird represents Lysandre's selfishness and "take all for himself" beliefs. It has the Murkrow do all the food collecting and most of the fighting before it takes it all for itself and finishes the opponent.
L's new additions to the team (Sadly, Mienshao and Honchkrow seem to not have survived the Ultimate Weapon):
Sableye and Noivern - The two Pokemon symbolize how the loss of his left eyesight and temporary memory loss allows him to finally see the world and hear perspectives he blocked off for so long. Noibat, Noivern's previous form, can also be tought in Terminus Cave, the same location where Zygarde apperared in Pokemon XY.
Florges - A Fairy flower Pokemon that creates beautiful flower gardens, has a long life span...and ruthlessly deals with anyone who dare ruins its flower garden. A Kalos Pokemon of beauty and the evolution of Floette. Fitting of L, a descendant of AZ's brother.
Garbodor - A Pokemon of actual garbage; a Pokemon a lot of people deem "ugly"...and yet it's a Pokemon on L's team. Not only does he see the beauty in the world, but he also accepts its ugliness. After all, if everything is beautiful, then nothing is ugly and vice versa. However, even the ugly aspects shouldn't be shunned. There's either beauty within it or it helps us understand how to avoid the ugliness.
These two sentences in particular really highlight how L is a changed man for the better:
"Look at how we cooperate, human and Pokémon. Perhaps there is a beauty to this world." L
Then the way L revealed his Mega Ring...goosebumps. In XY, Lysandre flaunted his Mega Ring, visibly boasting that he had mastered the power of Mega Evolution. In Legends ZA, he keeps his Mega Ring in his pocket. The faded Ring signifies how, presumably, up until this battle, he hasn't used it. For a brief moment, he looks at it. His look says everything: regret, memories, and sadness. Before he grips the Ring to once again unlock the genuine bond he has with his Gyarados.
The fact that L's dialogue after you beat him is the same as Lysandre's after his first battle is perfect. The fact that it's the same line, but in a different context, underscores how much the character has grown. Instead of a cold contempt reaction, he looks at you with a warm smile. You can see L briefly imitating Lysandre's reaction before smiling...it's just amazing facial animation.
An interesting note is how his USUM counterpart almost uses the same quote, but without saying "excellent," and he's gripping his hand with a frustrated face. He comes across as bitterly sarcastic to me, as his schemes for a "better world" had been foiled by your character.
"Excellent! I can feel the fire of your convictions burning deep within your heart!" Lysandre's (Your first battle with him), Team Rainbow Rocket Lysandre (minus the Excellent), and L's post-battle dialogue
In all three iterations, after the final battle with him, he reflects. In XY, he still believes there is no hope for humanity overcoming its flaws to create a beautiful future. In USUM, he briefly wonders if he had met your character if he could've been different...before doubling down in his insanity and proclaiming the self-righteousness of his genocide. In Legends ZA, he showcases the wisdom he has and realizes that perhaps if he had listened...he would've never become the man he once was.
"If that were possible, all wars would have ended long ago! I can only see one future! One where selfish, foolish humans think about nothing other than themselves and steal more and more from one another... It's a tragic future!" Lysandre
"Maybe...if my world has a Trainer like you, the path I chose could have been different... No! Nothing can change me now! If there is a path to creating a beautiful world, then that is the path I must take! Even if it means I can only save a handful of the old world!" Team Rainbow Rocket Lysandre
"This is why we battle—to reach understanding. Trainer to Trainer, Trainer to Pokémon, and Pokémon to Pokémon. I suppose that is why AZ, like you, wished for the Z-A Royale to resume. Five years ago, a group of children stood against me in defiance. If I'd tried to understand them...perhaps I would never have fired the ultimate weapon." L
To conclude, Lysandre has become one of the most fascinating characters not only in Pokemon but in general that I've seen. While his character arc shares similarities with other non-Pokemon characters out there, the fact that he started out as a psychopathic doomsday billionaire and became a homeless vagabond is an unexpected character change. He and AZ give me FF character vibes. By losing an eye, he can finally see the beauty that was always there. XY may not have been the best-written game, but it still holds a place in my heart. Overall, in the base game, Legends ZA did an amazing job of recontextualizing XY and creating one of the best Pokemon games, which gave Kalos and some of its characters much-needed depth, like Lysandre.
The contrast of Lysandre saying adieu and L saying au revoir is peak character writing in retrospect. They both mean goodbye: the former is meant as a final parting, and the latter is meant to signal the possibility of seeing each other again.
In the world we live in, I felt really emotional when he pointed out how our connections are a miracle. It reminds me that we probably would get along with others who share our interests and match our wavelengths...but we'll never get to meet them due to distance and other factors. If there were more people like L, this world would be a more beautiful place.
"Pokémon Trainers. I come to you by the Holo Caster to make an important announcement. Listen well. Team Flare will revive the ultimate weapon, eliminate everyone who isn't in our group, and return the world to a beautiful, natural state. Unproductive fools are consuming our future… If nothing changes, the world will become ugly and conflicts will raze the land from end to end. I repeat. We will use the ultimate weapon and wipe the slate clean. I'm sorry, those of you who are not members of Team Flare, but this is adieu to you all." Lysandre's message over the Holo Caster
"Now, it falls to me to ponder...what should I do with the three thousand years I must live?... That's only fair. It is not an answer I will find in anyone but my own self. But I know one thing. To this day, I yearn to create a more beautiful world...and I will yearn for it forever! I once thought that we could achieve that world by fullfilling the material needs of everyone. Now I know it is not so simple. An old proverb says it is good to feed the hungry, but better to teach them how to feed themselves. I had focused solely on what I believed the world needed. Yet I lost sight of how to make it so that people can truly flourish. Thanks to what you and your Pokémon have done together, I have learned my lesson well. It is an outlandish dream, far beyond my reach...but with three thousand years' time, perhaps I can make it real. Much like AZ wandered far and wide across the world in search of Floette... I shall travel across vast reaches in search of ways to create the world I yearn for. When people manage to meet, it is a gift. Even living in the same time and place is no guarantee. The fact that we, and so many others, met and banded together to make Lumiose a better place...is something we should treasure. Barring some great change, I doubt we will meet again...but I will carry these lessons with me. Au revoir, my young friend." L
When you try to talk about enshittification, it sounds like conspiracy theories. (I'm not crazy)
Amazon made their service worse, to force people to pay for Prime.
Nowadays, if you order from Amazon, there is a week long delay before your package is shipped. (on purpose)
I remember when orders would ship out the same day. (I remember - it was real)
YouTube didn't used to have ads. Now, ads play in the middle of videos. (it's worse than TV ever was)
The best can opener I have owned is over 40 years old. Modern ones just don't hold up as well. (The ones I bought new broke ages ago)
The bread machine my mom got for her wedding lasted 30 years. It's been replaced twice in the last 5 years. (How can you fuck this up?)
The cardboard tubes in the middle of toilet paper rolls have gotten larger. (This too?) Companies increasing the price of the product while selling you less. (REALLY?)
It sounds crazy. (it's the truth) When you talk about it, YOU sound crazy. (it's true)
Even when people believe you (do they really), all they can say is "it sucks". (it's too big) Because the problem is so big, so pervasive, what can we even DO about it???
To get the necessary laws written and passed, we need politicians, to get the politicians elected we need information campaigns, to fund campaigns we need money, and all the money is being hoarded by the people profiting from enshittification. (it sounds so fake)
So I talk about enshittification (it sounds crazy), so people don't forget that things have been made worse on purpose (it's true), even though I sound crazy. (maybe I am)
This whole after dialogue during 5-3N just made me want a bonus act of everyone doing different things after the finale happens or just a stage where we get this scenario where everyone is dancing with someone. I specifically need Lucky and Miner to dance together during a stage if Lucky is taking dance lessons from the Stevensons and we get a cute little dance scene like we did with stevensons as well as hailey and logan. I just love Minerscales so much and just wish it was canon please 7th Beat listen to this hopeless fan's plea I would literally cry and be smiling for so long. Someone please make a fic or fanart of this scenario it would be so good and cute for everyone involved everyone can dance maybe even all the couples could for the heck of it.
Edit: Read this from bottom to top I made the mistake of having the end dialog at the top instead of the bottom I'm sorry I just rushed to put this out my thoughts were elsewhere thinking about Minerscales it does stuff to you.
EVERYONE I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY: go play rhythm doctor IM SERIOUS I played with a friend and the game is so great, you have great story with rhythm mechanics that is easy to learn as you play the levels. You also can make your own custom levels if anyone wanted to create a level with all the rhythm mechanics. Oh and how can I forget the music you can't have a rhythm game without some music it would flavorless if it wasn't. You work at this hospital trying to treat patients with rhythm with every patient having its own gimmick. Want to hear more sorry can't, you people have to find out on your own don't let me stop you from playing its really fun and I want everyone to experience the same joy as I did with game and I hope u guys have fun.
Rhythm Doctor's tutorials are perfect and why subdivision beats are my favorite mechanic (SPOILERS FOR ACT 5)
before we get into spoilers: Rhythm doctor is a one button rhythm game where you apply defibrillation to numerous characters who each have their own tempo, mechanics and stories as to why they're at middle sea hospital, the game has a great story, amazing characters, and a simple (at first) gimmick, push the button on the 7th beat. its a good game, you should totally play it, and I recommend not reading this post if you haven't, if you have played it, then listen to me word vomit for a minute.
Act 5 is about subversion, even before the act officially starts the game tricks you into thinking it'll be a fun little baseball themed act
the entire act takes place in a new (to you) ward where you've overheard from two other patients that a popular baseball player has just been admitted there.
immediately you'll notice that this is not a ward in a hospital, this is a baseball field, strange, but whatever, doesn't matter. this song introduces a new gimmick, subdivision notes, which are a type of SVT beat (i realize i didn't explain those, basically you're given a get, set, go count and have to hit the beat on go) subdivision beats are simple (at first) where all you need to do is listen for a queue and hit more than one note.
they look like this (it was so hard to time snipping tool to get these). the top image is for a double subdivision and the bottom is for a triple subdivision the tutorial for these notes is really good at getting you used to these types of notes being matched with each other and regular notes respectively and you'll have a good grip on them by the end of it.
the song starts out in the same field that going into the physiotherapy ward brought you to, and the music is nice, mostly just a test to see if you have the subdivision beats down by now.
that is until you reach this point and a baseball suddenly flies into the screen, putting the song to a pause and pulling away the curtain.
it was a dream, this is lucky, the baseball player who was admitted to middlesea hospital for tearing their rotator cuff during a game. after a quick cutscene the song starts again, cutting back to the baseball field, except it's no longer a dream, it's a nightmare, its pouring rain, baseballs fall from the sky in larger and larger amounts, every now and then you can see the eyes of Lucky's fellow teammates staring at you from the dugout. and then it happens, my favorite part of act 5, the one queue that made me fall in love with this game for a third time.
FOUR! TONK-TONK-TONK-TONK
all of the sudden you're hit with a quadruple subdivision beat, they didn't teach you this, lightning strikes in the background as its called out, normally this would be bad game design, throwing something at you out of nowhere without explaining how you're supposed to deal with it. but you hit the notes anyway, because by now you've learned to ignore the visual cues and go based off of the game's rhythm, because the queue's "Tonks" are also in tempo with how quickly you have to hit the divided notes, so without making a sweat you hit the notes perfectly, even while the nightmare sequence starts to fall apart, telling lucky to wake up, you still hit every note perfectly until the end of the song
at the end of the song the screen zooms out from lucky, and you're shown the real physiotherapy ward, this room will no longer look like the baseball field unless you go to it on a new save, act 5 is such a good example of why this game is so dear to my heart (haha) and if you still somehow haven't played it, please, just buy it, give the developers your money.
